Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Lotion Exfoliant

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are your shipping rates?We wish we could personally deliver your order straight to your doorstep ourselves but because we can't we lovingly ship them to you with FREE standard delivery on all orders over $50 throughout the U.S. and Canada.

For orders under $50, our shipping rates for standard delivery (UPS Ground or USPS) go from $2–$7.50, depending on the dollar amount of your order.

How long until I receive my order?Fast! We begin processing your order immediately because we want you to always be taking the best possible care of your skin. After you submit your order it leaves our warehouse within 24–48 hours. From there, how long it takes to reach you depends on your address:

If you live in the U.S expect to receive your Paula's Choice products in 2–10 business days

For our friends up north in Canada your order will be there in 3–14 business days

Elsewhere in the world takes about 3–5 business days

Ran out of products? Want to receive your new order faster? You can select Rush Delivery when you are checking out!

Where oh where are my Paula's Choice products? You can track your order by going to your account or check the tracking information we send you via email.

Can I change or cancel my order once it has been placed?
We hate saying no, in fact we rarely do, but because we finalize and process our orders so quickly, changing or canceling them isn't an option. Contact us if you have specific concerns about something in your order and we'll make sure you get the right products (and great advice). And remember, every Paula's Choice product is sold with a 100% money-back guarantee!

What if I need to return or exchange a product?
No problem! In fact, we make it super easy for you! Info on how to return or exchange an item can be found here or refer to the back of the invoice from your order. If you need help picking out an alternate product contact us and we promise to take great care of you! Good to know: all Paula's Choice products are sold with a 60-day, 100% money-back guarantee. If you're not happy, we'll do everything we can to put a smile back on your face!

Not Completely Satisfied?

Paula's Choice will provide a full refund or credit (including tax where applicable) for merchandise returned within 60 days of your purchase date. We're sorry, but shipping fees are not refundable.

Step 1. Fill out the Return/Exchange Form located on the back of your invoice. If you don't have your invoice you can print the Return/Exchange Form here.

Step 2. Package the items for return in any box and enclose the completed Return/Exchange Form.

No Animal Testing

Animal testing is not okay with us. Never has been. We don’t fund any independent source to do it for us, either. In fact we’re members of the Leaping Bunny Program, which means not only have we eliminated animal testing from our company, but also from our ingredient suppliers. We love animals so much; our employees bring their dogs to work. Keeps things real.

100% Money Back Guarantee

At Paula’s Choice Skincare we believe our products will work as claimed. In fact, if you are not completely satisfied with your purchase for any reason we will give you a full refund or credit (including tax if applicable) for products returned within 60 days of your purchase date. As usual for online purchases, shipping fees are non-refundable.

How to make a return or exchange:
Step 1. Fill out the Return/Exchange Form located on the back of your invoice. If you’ve already tossed the invoice, you can print one out here.

Step 2. Pack up the items you want to return in any box. Remember to pop your completed Return/Exchange Form in there as well.

Rating

Best / 4

Must have!

I am prone to atopic dermatitis, ie. I have dry, sensitive skin. I am also prone to having clogged pores and thus, acne as well. BHA is known to be drying, but I have experienced zero issues with this product! This really regulates my skin and now I hardly get any breakouts with the exception of hormonal/stress-related ones. Even then, the acne I get now is much less stubborn and respond really well to spot treatments, going away very quickly.

PAT M.

Reviewed on Saturday, March 28, 2015

100 out of 100

Rating

Best / 4

Wonderful product

Almost instant results from this product. My skin is dry, can be flakey, rough at times - this cures it all very quickly and very gently. I love PC products.

bec w

Reviewed on Sunday, March 22, 2015

100 out of 100

Rating

Best / 4

So Happy! Life changer

Had acne during high school and was using a potent benzoyl peroxide cream but once I hit 20 my skin was dry and breaking out again and the benzoyl peroxide wouldn't work. Now I've got my skin care down pat and can have clear skin and my skin feel s comfortable in the process. I use over a liquid exfoliant and under my moisturiser day and night. Brightened skin, keeps acne away, and fades marks really quickly, smooths and moisturises. Super happy I could cry!

Heather K.

Reviewed on Friday, March 13, 2015

100 out of 100

Rating

Best / 4

Changed My Life

This product has absolutely changed my life. I had been suffering from dry, flaky, red, sensitive cheeks w/ mild breakouts for the last few years. Scrubby exfoliants were far too harsh, and I couldn't find a lotion moisturizing enough to help. I tried a sample of the 2% BHA Liquid, but I felt like I needed more "moisture" so I bought this product. I've only been using it for a few weeks now, but my cheeks are moisturized, the flakes are gone and the redness has subsided. It's my holy grail.

Deanna B.

Reviewed on Thursday, March 05, 2015

100 out of 100

Rating

Best / 4

Gentle and effective!

This is finally a BHA treatment I can get behind. For being acne-prone, my skin isn't really that oily, and it can be very sensitive. I've tried other Paula's Choice BHA treatments, and most of them left my skin looking red and burned, so I've been using the Resist 10% AHA treatment almost nightly to get the exfoliation I need. I tried this on a whim, and it provides that extra boost of moisture I need while clearing my blackheads, something the Resist didn't do. This is my new favorite!

Katy D

Reviewed on Thursday, February 26, 2015

100 out of 100

Rating

Best / 4

WORKS!!!!!!

Got the sample and have gotten about 4 uses out of it; although it's not a miracle worker, this stuff works better than anything else I've tried, (I also use retin-a). This is what it did for me:
Reduced pore size dramatically, (you're still going to have pores on your nose, unless you get in there and do some manual declogging, but it def reduced their appearance)
Almost completely got rid of the melasma on my cheeks
Smoothed out skin and got rid of irritation
Will def buy more!!

Katy D

Reviewed on Thursday, February 26, 2015

100 out of 100

Rating

Best / 4

WORKS!!!!!!

Got the sample and have gotten about 4 uses out of it; although it's not a miracle worker, this stuff works better than anything else I've tried, (I also use retin-a). This is what it did for me:
Reduced pore size dramatically, (you're still going to have pores on your nose, unless you get in there and do some manual declogging, but it def reduced their appearance)
Almost completely got rid of the melasma on my cheeks
Smoothed out skin and got rid of irritation
Will def buy more!!

Laura

Reviewed on Monday, February 23, 2015

60 out of 100

Rating

Neutral / 4

Doing nothing for my blackheads

I have been using this product religiously, after cleanser and toner, in place of my usual moisturizer, twice daily for about a month now. While I was initially impressed with how much softer and smoother the skin on my face feels now, this product has done nothing to diminish my blackheads at all. In fact, they have gotten worse since I started using it. I have extremely dry skin, and this has helped with it, but could you please recommend me a product that will ACTUALLY clear my blackheads up?

Customer Service Response

Replied on: Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Hello, and thanks for your comments! We definitely recommend contacting a member of our Customer Care team - they're specially trained to help you find the best routine for your skin type!

—Paula's Choice Research Team

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Grace M.

Reviewed on Monday, February 16, 2015

80 out of 100

Rating

Good / 4

Awesome stuff!

I wouldn't say this is a miracle product, but in the two weeks I've been using it I have noticed a big difference in the clarify of my skin. My breakouts are less often and my current acne is fading away. The "bumpiness" is also going away too. I use CeraVe face lotion & cleanser (which I STRONGLY recommend) to keep my face from being dry while using this. Without using them I'm not sure how much this would dry me out. I noticed dryness around the nose but not much.

Feriba K.

Reviewed on Tuesday, February 03, 2015

40 out of 100

Rating

Poor / 4

Very thick, try the sample first

I have normal skin but in winter time my forehead and cheeks get dry so I decided to go with lotion formula. This is not the first time I’m using BHA products but this lotion made me break out. It’s very thick, not spreads out evenly and effects application of my foundation. I should have try the sample first.

Customer Service Response

Replied on: Tuesday, February 03, 2015

Hello, and thank you for sharing your experience with us - we're sorry to hear this didn't work as expected for you! Please contact a member of our Customer Care team, who can assist you with a possible exchange or refund.

—Paula's Choice Research Team

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Carey C.

Reviewed on Thursday, January 29, 2015

100 out of 100

Rating

Best / 4

Awesome!

Used this in combination with the liquid last night for the first time. This is the best day of my skin's life. No product has ever reduced my blackheads even slightly. One use and my blackheads are nearly gone in most areas and hugely improved in my worst area on the sides of my nose. My skin isn't flaky like with most products that claim to improve blackheads. It's glowing!

Anonymous

Reviewed on Thursday, January 22, 2015

40 out of 100

Rating

Poor / 4

Stings and doesn't absorb well for me

I tried this several times over a week and it stung and didn't absorb well. I don't have particularly sensitive skin and I use the AHA 8% perfectly well but that product has parabens so I wanted to try another exfoliant. I gave it 4 tries but it didn't give me results or feel good on. It just didn't settle in even though I only used a little pea sized amount and went section by section. I need a gluten free product or else I would try the 1%.

Customer Service Response

Replied on: Thursday, January 22, 2015

Hello, and thank you for sharing your experience with us - we're sorry to hear this didn't work as expected for you! Please contact a member of our Customer Care team, who can assist you with a possible exchange or refund.

—Paula's Choice Research Team

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Lynn W.

Reviewed on Tuesday, January 20, 2015

100 out of 100

Rating

Best / 4

Amazing Results

I have only been using the BHA 2% Lotion for about a week and already I can see an improvement with the stubborn blackheads on my nose. I don't know how this stuff works, but it does. I will be ordering the entire Resist Anti-aging line in February and I cannot wait!

ANITA

Reviewed on Monday, January 19, 2015

100 out of 100

Rating

Best / 4

Great moisturizer for my oily skin

Even though this is advertised for dry/normal skin types, it's no problem for my oily acne-prone skin. After I tone, I apply my hyaluronic acid serum and then two pumps of this as my moisturizer all over my face, and SPF 50 in the AM. The consistency of the 2% BHA lotion is of a thick cream that needs some working in to absorb properly, but it seals in my serum and helps keep the congestion out of my skin. Only down side is the completely opaque bottle, I can't see how much is left.

SARAH

Reviewed on Tuesday, January 06, 2015

100 out of 100

Rating

Best / 4

Fantastic!

Years ago I tried the 1% BHA Gel and my skin HATED it, I got a stubborn rash and my face was pretty much a mess. Fast-forward to now, I'm in my mid-30's and encountering the dreaded hormonal acne roller-coaster. My skin is **very dry** but I was getting these bad breakouts. If you are dry but still have acne issues, definitely try a sample of the BHA lotion! My previously angry/confused skin is loving this stuff. No rash, and it's keeping me clear. I won't be without it now.

Sasha

Reviewed on Sunday, January 04, 2015

100 out of 100

Rating

Best / 4

Works great

This is my first skincare product to contain acids, and I'm very happy with my starter's choice.
I never had acne, and was generally satisfied with my skin. My only concern were pores on my nose, and I tried a lot of products with no visible result, so I didn't put much hope in this. But it helped, and almost instantly! It also gives my skin a much more "polished" look and makes my face look very fresh and young.
So, even if you think your skin is ok, try it, and see how "ok" becomes "great".

Miranda M.

Reviewed on Thursday, January 01, 2015

60 out of 100

Rating

Neutral / 4

Not as absorbant as 1% BHA Lotion

I bought the 2% BHA lotion after running out of my 1% BHA lotion thinking that more BHA must be better... not in this case. 1% BHA absorbs into my skin fast and has the same amazing result. 2% also feels a bit too harsh for my sensitive skin. I ordered the 1% lotion again, and saving the 2% for when I have acne or skin irritations that call for more intensive exfoliation.

Northstar5

Reviewed on Sunday, December 28, 2014

100 out of 100

Rating

Best / 4

Perfect in winter

Most of the year I use a liquid or gel version of either PC's 2% or 1% BHA product on my sensitive, breakout prone skin, but this winter I switched to this lotion version as my skin had been getting flaky and dry in the colder weather. Turned out to be a great move. Same excellent exfoliation but better protection for dry skin, and not a pimple in sight. Great idea, to have all these different versions of the same basic product. Her BHA has been a staple in my routine for almost twenty years.

Anonymous

Reviewed on Thursday, December 25, 2014

100 out of 100

Rating

Best / 4

Please help!

Hi guys!So I wanted to order a few PC Products,especially BHAs:)Now i have two questions:1.Can I use BHA exfoliants on Birthmarks?(I have a few on my face rather small ones,but one is like the size of Cindy Crawfords...)2. I have combo-oily skin and i have some dry patches that you can see when putting makeup on,my skin is also dehydrated.I wanted to buy the 2%BHA lotion,but im scared itll clog my pores,since im very clog prone!i have whiteheads and blackheads.What formula to buy?
Thanks!

Customer Service Response

Replied on: Monday, December 29, 2014

Hello, and thanks for contacting us! We recommend talking to a member of our Customer Care team, who can assist you with finding the best product for your skin type! You can find all the ways to contact them here.

—Paula's Choice Research Team

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Denita S.

Reviewed on Wednesday, December 17, 2014

100 out of 100

Rating

Best / 4

Perfect!

I've used the liquid version of this and hated it. I went through it so fast because so much of the product was absorbed and lost inside the cotton balls I used to apply it. This lotion is perfect for me, and I think it will last me twice as long. It dries to a nice, matte finish that makes it comfortable to wear under makeup, if desired. I tried to go without a BHA for a few months, thinking I didn't need it, but I got far more acne and clogged pores without it. It's now a staple!

Kelly

Reviewed on Tuesday, December 16, 2014

100 out of 100

Rating

Best / 4

Best thing ever for blackheads !

I have been using this product ever since I heard it from the Wayne Goss's make-up video. This thing works! I also let my pre-teen daughter uses it and it does reduced the blackheads for her but I guess it will need more taking care of if to eliminate the whole problem. After all, she is at an acne prone age.

Nicole W.

Reviewed on Friday, November 14, 2014

100 out of 100

Rating

Best / 4

Skin Brightening without Drying

I saw immediate results after using this product for just a few days. My skin is clearer, brighter, more evenly toned, and better than it's been in years. I was a little concerned about it being too drying for my skin type, but have had no problems whatsoever with dryness due to the 2% lotion. It's perfect for sensitive skin and for someone who struggles with the seemingly contradictory issues of dryness and clogged pores at the same time. The lotion is easy to apply and feels great.

Brittney S.

Reviewed on Sunday, October 26, 2014

100 out of 100

Rating

Best / 4

WORKS GREAT! DOESN'T IRRITATE MY SENSITIVE SKIN!

I love this product! It has done a great job minimizing/unclogging pores (even in the area around the sides of my nose) and has made my skin noticeably smoother and brighter. I don't have any serious acne, but I do occasionally get pimples or blackheads from makeup . Since I started using this, I have had nothing of the sort. If a small pimple does rise to the surface, I just dab this on top & it goes away. I added it to the Resist Retinal Serum and Moisture Boost Hydratinng Tx Cream. Awesome!

Gia M.

Reviewed on Friday, October 17, 2014

20 out of 100

Rating

Worst / 4

NOT FOR ME

Did nothing for me, my pores DID NOT minimized and it makes my skin kind of itchy, I did used it for about 4weeks giving it a chance to "adapt to my skin" NO LUCK, want to send it back since I cant use it.

Customer Service Response

Replied on: Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Thanks for your review! We're sorry this didn't work for you and welcome your return. If you need assistance returning an item, click here.

—Admin

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Stephanie H.

Reviewed on Tuesday, September 30, 2014

80 out of 100

Rating

Good / 4

Makes skin nice & soft

This product's failure for me is due to my incorrect assumption that I had dry skin, but I actually had a damaged acid mantle. So the blame is all mine, I'll admit. It's a good product, but better suited for dry/very dry skin. I haven't seen a significant reduction in blackheads/whiteheads after a month's use, but again: my fault, not the product's. I will continue to use until I receive PC's 2%BHA liquid instead. If you have dry skin (for sure), get this product. I'm sure you'll love it

What makes this product unique?Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Lotion Exfoliant moisturizes as it exfoliates both the skin's surface and inside the pore, reshaping the pore lining, unclogging pores and improving skin cell turnover rate. This creates a dramatic improvement in the skin's appearance, feel, and function, leading to healthier skin. There is a great deal of research indicating that BHA (beta hydroxy acid) increases collagen production and drastically smooths the surface of skin. Additionally, BHA has antibacterial properties that attack blemish-causing bacteria. The lush texture of the 2% BHA Lotion makes skin feel satiny soft, while potent anti-irritants help calm a reddened, blotchy complexion.

This product is 100% fragrance- and colorant-free with a pH range of 3.5-3.9. Every Paula's Choice BHA product is formulated with additional soothing agents.

Who is this product for? All skin types may use this product, but the texture is especially suited for those with normal to very dry skin prone to blemishes.

NOTE: Those allergic to aspirin (acetylsalicylate) should not use products containing salicylic acid (beta hydroxy acid).

Sources to support the claims made for SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Lotion EXFOLIANT

DIRECTIONS: Apply once or twice daily after cleansing and toning. Apply a dime-sized amount over the entire face, including the eyes (avoid the lower lash line and eyelids). Do not rinse. For daytime, follow with a broad-spectrum sunscreen rated SPF 25 or greater.

When properly formulated, both AHAs and BHA are brilliant options for exfoliating the surface of skin. Both AHA and BHA work to reduce wrinkles, stimulate collagen, and firm skin but each has its special qualities you'll want to consider when deciding which one to use:

AHAs are preferred for sun-damaged and dry skin because they exfoliate on the surface of skin and have the added benefit of also improving moisture content.

BHA is preferred for oily, acne-prone skin and for treating blackheads and white bumps because BHA can get through the oil that's clogging your pores, normalizing the lining of the misshapen pore that contributes to acne.

BHA has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial action. Those are two more reasons to use a BHA exfoliant if you have acne or sensitive, reddened skin.

BHA is preferred for those struggling with rosacea. Not everyone with rosacea can tolerate an exfoliant, but it is wise to experiment with a BHA product to see how your rosacea responds.

If your skin is sun-damaged and you're also struggling with acne or clogged pores, add a BHA product to your routine.

If you'd like to use an AHA and BHA at the same time, that is an option, though not really necessary. Some people find they work well when they're applied at the same time, but if you want to give this a try it is best to apply them separately, one during the day and one in the evening.

Which BHA strength you opt to use should be based on your skin type and the stubbornness (or severity) of your acne or blackheads. The 1% BHA strength is a great starting point to see how using a pH-correct BHA can improve the skin's condition. The 2% concentrations can be a next level to see how that benefits skin.

The primary difference is texture. The 2% BHA Lotion is a lightweight cream, the 2% BHA Gel has a silky gel texture and the 2% BHA Liquid has a thin, toner-like consistency that's best applied to a cotton pad. All of them are formulated to provide the same key benefits to your skin. Which one to choose is a matter of personal preference and your skin type.

AHA products are most effective at a 5% to 10% concentration and BHA at 1% to 2% concentration. Think about it like making bread, the amount of yeast you need is tiny in comparison to the amount of flour you use but equally important to get the results you want. The percentage of effectiveness varies depending on the ingredient. Rest assured that the BHA products are not any less effective due to lower concentrations of the exfoliant.

First, we urge you to follow the post-procedure instructions your doctor or nurse provided. If nothing was mentioned about when to resume use of a BHA exfoliant, please contact the doctor's office where you had the procedure done. Otherwise, our general advice is to begin using your BHA again as soon as possible. Or, if your skin seems extra-sensitive, you may want to wait and apply the BHA exfoliant a few days post-procedure. Salicylic acid is an excellent anti-inflammatory ingredient that can enhance skin's natural healing process as it works to reduce post-procedure redness.